Head of Human Resources
Arts University Plymouth - Central Services
Location: Plymouth
Salary: From £45,229 (FTE £56,536) with annual, incremental progression up to £47,973 (FTE £59,966), Band 12
Hours: Part Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Placed On: 23rd July 2026
Closes: 23rd August 2026
Arts University Plymouth is seeking to appoint a Head of Human Resources to lead its Human Resources team.
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and deliver the University’s people agenda. Reporting to the Chief Financial and Operating Officer, you will provide expert leadership across all aspects of Human Resources, helping the University attract, develop and support talented people while ensuring high standards of employment practice and legal compliance.
Working collaboratively with the Executive, Heads, and Dean’s office, you will act as a trusted advisor; shaping the organisational culture, enhancing workforce planning, and supporting large-scale change initiatives. You will ensure the HR function remains a high-performing team, one that delivers action-centre value, aligned to the University People Plan and strategic priorities..
While the role has a strong strategic focus, it also requires a hands-on approach. Leading a small HR team, you will combine strategic leadership with operational involvement, evolving the HR service to continually align with the developing University’s longer-term organisational priorities.
About You:
- Be an experienced HR leader with Chartered MCIPD status (or equivalent) and a proven track record of leading people services within a large, complex organisation.
- Be confident building trusted relationships with senior leaders, providing credible, balanced advice on complex people issues and influencing decision-making.
- Have excellent knowledge of employment legislation, employee relations and HR best practice, with experience of providing clear, accurate advice and guidance.
- Enjoy leading and developing teams, driving organisational change and delivering people-focused projects that support strategic objectives.
- Be a collaborative, resilient and approachable leader with excellent communication skills, sound judgement and a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Lead and develop the Human Resources team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, customer-focused HR services across the University.
- Provide strategic HR advice and guidance to colleagues at all levels, supporting the delivery of the University's People Plan and wider organisational strategy.
- Oversee complex employee relations matters, organisational change, recruitment, performance management and workforce planning, ensuring compliance with employment legislation and HR best practice.
- Build strong partnerships with managers, trade union representatives and external advisers to support effective people management and positive employee engagement.
- Drive continuous improvement across HR policies, systems and processes, using data and insight to enhance decision-making and help the University remain an employer of choice.
In return you’ll receive:
- Holiday: 24 (FTE 30) days annual leave per annum plus bank holidays, and discretionary efficiency closure days
- Pension: Enrolment onto a generous Local Government scheme subject to scheme eligibility with Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)
- Additional Benefits, including enhanced family leave, wellbeing resources, and staff discounts
For more information about the role, the University, and how to apply, please refer to this link.
Safeguarding and Compliance
Arts University Plymouth has a strong commitment to the safeguarding & welfare of young people & vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory DBS check, and you will be required to provide appropriate documentation as part of the onboarding process.
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